EUROBIKE SHOW is around the corner and there are many contacts with the business partners and friends to meet there as usual. But what is very new to me is, that the contacts from LinkedIn are inviting me to meet up, have a cup of coffee and talk. There were invitations to be a speaker at a conference but I politely refused. I don’t see my self as an expert on the topics that were talked about there even though I have some prior experience in public speaking.
A feeling:
I must confess that all of this is very flattering to me and I am grateful for this interest. Hence I reserved days 4 and 5 at EUROBIKE SHOW for walking around and investigating as well as meeting with interesting people from various backgrounds. This will be a very good learning experience for me and space to grow on top of having fun. Reach out if you want to meet or just drop by to Alfred Thun GmbH booth at 12.1 D33 for a hug and coffee if we both have time 🙂
All of this got me thinking, are these articles having any influence?
I don’t see myself as someone with great influence and rather a everyday guy doing his job, trying to help people where I can. People in the bike industry have certainly been good to me and helped whenever they could. Thank you ALL for that !!!
Some friends were persuading me that I am wrong and that I should check the numbers and stats of the articles. And really the numbers in the audience have grown significantly and so with that the responsibility has grown. Now the questions come: did I get all of the facts right, was my opinion biased, is this a clickbait or my honest thought. Writing helps to get my own thoughts in order so maybe I do it for myself ? A lot of questions which makes it harder to write.
A decision :
So the decision and a promise I made to myself is to get the facts straight as much as possible and to keep bringing true value to the bike industry people even if the topics may be challenging sometimes.
What makes it easier to write what I honestly think, is that I am not sponsored by anyone and all I do here is on my own time pro bono. The company I work for is actually providing me with the atmosphere to get the facts and travel to see various countries, factories and companies getting the ideas what to write about.
A question
Do my opinions matter ?
I think NOT in a bigger sense, the bike industry will go on as usual after I am gone uninterrupted. The only hope is that it helps someone in doubt. To help someone to think about the topics which are not discussed too often, to know they are not alone. Popular narrative is everywhere but things we encounter every day in the bike business are overshadowed by it and we need help.
A hint:
Value question for the next article I plan to elaborate: “Eurobike takeaways” and something that’s on my mind for some time “Why do we use the same logic in design, production and sale of bicycles compared to e-bikes, when they are two completely different products?”
A conclusion :
Facts have changed and actually been manipulated to fit opinions. These days opinions are corrupt by various sponsors and interests. Fact is what you see and experience personally every day. All else must be questioned and critical thinking applied asking yourself a question : What interest may someone have in sharing this information/opinion with me?
Please remember opinions are like asses, everyone has them!
